Cody Gonzalez

Cody Gonzalez is an incoming Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), joining the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design in January 2023. His research bridges soft robotics, multifunctional materials, and design optimization, with a focus on lithium-ion batteries as smart actuators and energy harvesters for unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

• Education:
• A.S./A.A., Riverside City College
• B.S., University of California, Riverside
• M.S./Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

Dr. Gonzalez develops novel analytical models and simulations to optimize smart materials for actuator applications in locomotor rehabilitation and energy harvesting. His work integrates electrochemical principles with mechanical design, particularly in silicon anode-based batteries and liquid crystalline elastomer actuators.

His publications (9 archival, 1 provisional patent) span topics like multifunctional actuators, battery lithiation mechanics, and energy harvester optimization. Article trends highlight interdisciplinary research at the intersection of robotics, materials science, and electrochemical engineering.

• Scientific Awards:
• Trailblazers in Engineering (TBE) Fellow, Purdue University (2021)
• Outstanding Graduate Student Leader (PSU CEOI) (2021)
• Harry G. Miller Fellowship (2020)
• Sloan Scholar (2019)
• ASME SMASIS Best Student Paper (2019)
• Robert W. Graham Endowed Fellowship (2016)
• UCR Chancellor’s Research Fellow (2015)

Dr. Gonzalez's work demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing multifunctional material applications in robotics and energy systems.